Don't miss all the footy action

With State of Origin being played in Perth on Sunday night, what better way to warm up than watch some female stars of another footy code live in Mackay?

The Gold Coast SUNS take on the Brisbane Lions in a Women's Winter Series game at Harrup Park's Great Barrier Reef Arena at noon.

As well as this game, the SUNS will also play one AFLW Premiership game in Mackay for the next three years as part of a partnership deal with Mackay Regional Council and its Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area.

Best of all, entry to this Sunday's game is free.

Mayor Greg Williamson said there had been huge interest in women's AFL since a national competition was launched three years ago.

"The SUNS are joining the AFLW competition next year and it will be great to see them take on the other Queensland side, the Brisbane Lions, in Mackay," he said.

"There is added interest as former Mackay players Lauren Bella and Emma Pittman have been signed by the SUNS from the Brisbane Lions."

Cr Williamson said sporting spectacles, such as Brisbane Heat WBBL cricket matches, had been popular at the Harrup Park venue in recent years.

"The Brisbane Heat WBBL matches, in particular, have drawn big crowds. They've also been free family events like the AFL will be this weekend."

Harrup Park general manager Matt Cielens said there would be some food vendors and children's activities, such as a jumping castle and face painting, at the AFL game.

"Sports fans can come down to Harrup Park and make a day of it by staying on after the AFL game for dinner and to catch the rugby league State of Origin action live on our huge six-metre by three-metre big screen,'' he said.